Is Al Harris the next Packer holdout?

[Bretsky]

I can understand his beef -- DD got an extension, Woodson got overpaid.

HOWEVER

In a perfect world, Harris would shut up and play.

In a semi-perfect world, TT and Harris would work something out.

Ultimatums and stupid talk like "I'm a free agent after this year" aren't negotiation, and not a good stance to take, so I'm not optimistic.

That said, an extension would be a mistake. After this season, Harris will be 32 and Woodson 30, so GB's starting CB's are getting old. Roy Williams and Troy Williamson will start looking REAL fast if GB doesn't do something. Reworking the contract with additional incentives or a roster bonus and reducing the salary might work out...as usual, it depends on the details.

There's also the issue of the message it sends the players...

I'm really hoping for the semi perfect world; then again that's what I was hoping for with Walker as well.

[SkinBasket]

He could do what Mike McKenzie and Javon Walker did.

I don't think he can. They were young enough to actually sit out a full season, maybe even two, and still play one day. Al's clock is past midnight and still ticking.

[Bretsky]

He could do what Mike McKenzie and Javon Walker did.

I don't think he can. They were young enough to actually sit out a full season, maybe even two, and still play one day. Al's clock is past midnight and still ticking.

What Al lacks is the leverage these other guys have. But Al and his agent could still make things another very ugly situation in Green Bay.

Another thing Al has going for him is past history; this crap has happened twice in the past couple of years. Having round three against the player will reflect bad on GB in the national media.........with other players...........whether that is fair or not.

I don't think Al will be asking for the world and I'll get bashed for this, but I hope TT doesn't treat Harris like he did Walker.........(from what we know...aka...eventually ingnoring his requests).

I hope if Harris is reasonable, TT will consider working some nice bonuses in there going forward.

We need some stability while we find youth to replace the quality vets we have; Harris is one of those quality vets.

B

[Patler]

Harris has little bargaining power:

His contract runs through the 2009 season, at which time he will not command a big contract because of age. He can't threaten to play the minimal number of games each year and expect to even make up the almost two years worth of salaries he would miss sitting out 10 games each year for 3 years.

His play has been inconsistent the last 10 games or so, and his penalties have increased since mid-season last year, both indicating a player that might be starting to decline. As a result, his trade value is small, and the Packers probably will never be offered enough to make the trade.

He is likely to remain a Packer, but perhaps an unhappy one, until the Packers feel they have someone as good or better to replace him with.

[The Leaper]

Why anyone wants to spend one dollar more on Harris is beyond me. What is he going to do? He can either pack it up and retire...meaning he doesn't earn one more penny...or he can suck it up and play out his current deal.

No NFL team is going to give Green Bay anything more than a second day draft pick for an aging CB who really doesn't fit in most defensive schemes outside of Green Bay. Green Bay is not going to give up Harris for a second day draft pick...seeing that he currently is a starting CB.

Harris has ZERO leverage. Unlike Walker, his contract is not coming up for renewal in a year or two. Unlike McKenzie, he isn't a complete turd that will sacrifice his personal reputation to get out of town. Harris knew FULL WELL when he signed his current deal that the potential for him to outplay it existed. However, Al chose to take the money and run and capitalize on McKenzie skipping town. Now, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

It is easy for Al to talk big now. It will be much harder for him next August to keep up that banter...when the loss of a fat paycheck and the prospect of retirement are staring him in the face.

Don't pay this guy one more penny. We were willing to give him a chance as a starter...that should earn us enough gratitude for Al to keep his trap shut and play.

That...or learn some return skills and take Woodson's punt return job away from him so you can actually have a gripe for being paid less.

[BobDobbs]

It seems like the consensus is not to pay Harris. It's true that he doesn't have much leverage. I think the most incriminating strike against him is the ranking of the pass defense. Especially with the amount of sacks we have been generating.

One thing is obvious and should be taken ino account. Al Harris is our #1 DB, he consistently plays the other team's best wide receiver. So, until Woodson starts lining up against Boldin, Chambers, Roy Williams, etc... he is not our best cover corner in the coaches estimation.

I understood the team's position during the Javon Walker blowup. But, now I really wonder if it would have been that bad to have Javon on the team playing with a raise. Would mutiny truly have broken out across the roster? And, if they throw Harris a bit of a bonus would it not lock him in to play ball for the duration of his career?

[GrnBay007]

Can't they just find a way to give him a lil "keep em happy" money without re-doing his contract?

C'mon, this is the NFL. It takes money to inspire.

[Bretsky]

I understood the team's position during the Javon Walker blowup. But, now I really wonder if it would have been that bad to have Javon on the team playing with a raise. Would mutiny truly have broken out across the roster? And, if they throw Harris a bit of a bonus would it not lock him in to play ball for the duration of his career?


Great post and spot on regarding both Walker and Harris.

[GBRulz]

I can't remember, was Harris griping about his contract even before the Packers signed Woodson?

[BobDobbs]

No he wasn't. That's the truly bad form of this situation. When Harris received his extension Mackenzie was in the midst of his contract dispute. When Sherman gave Harris a raise instead of Big Mac it signaled the end, and it seemed like it was an 'F--- You' move by Sherman.

Now, Woodson comes in during a favorable cap year and fills a spot that has been basically vacant since #34 left for New Orleans. Woodson was in a free agent year coming off being franchised, great situation for him. He got paid. Harris got jealous.

[MadtownPacker]

Harris should get a lil love. Working on the opponents #1 WR every week aint no joke and that last place passing D aint on him.

He has been holding down superstar WRs like Holt and Boldin to minimal yardage without little to no help. This would be a perfect way to dismiss the bad vibes MM and walker created while also rewarding a hard worker.

[mmmdk]

How about free brats for the brat (Harris)?